At our Quasimodal Chorus rehearsal tonight, we ended with two beloved songs for two beloved friends; Sandy Paton, whose long life ended on Sunday, July 26, 2009 and Sandy Ives, who is so ill tonight.

First was "Barnet"

Peaceful be the silent slumber,
Peaceful in the grave so low.
Thou no more shall join our number;
Thou no more our songs shall know.
Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled;
There in heav'n once more to greet thee,
Where no farewell tear is shed.

(Lyrics: Epitaph of Azro W., Barnet Center, Vermont Cemetery Tune: Seth Houston, 1993 Meter: 8s, 7s (8,7,8,7)Northern Harmony Tunebook Index)
Found here Barnet mp3 file (scroll down 2/3)

Then we sang The Farthest Field by friend and sometime chorus member, David Dodson.

There is a land high on a hill
Where I am going- there is a voice that calls to me
The air is sweet, the grasses wave
The wind is blowing - oh, 'way up in the farthest field

REFRAIN:
Oh walk with me and we will see the mystery revealed
When one day we wend our way up to the farthest field

The sun will rise, the sun will set
Across the mountains - and we will live with beauty there
The fragrant flowers the days and hours
Will not be counted- And peaceful songs will fill the air

I know one day I'll leave my home
Here in the valley - and climb up to that field so fair
And when I'm called and counted in
That final tally - I know that I will see you there

Oh my dear friends I truly love
To hear your voices - lifted up in radiant song
Though through the years we all have made
Our separate choices -we've ended here where we belong.

[Refrain doubled at end.]
Farthest Field thread

Then we were silent, thinking of one mighty soul already gone on the great journey, and the other mighty soul, gazing up that farthest hill.
                         **************
I've posted this same note on Sandy Paton's thread, so Caroline Paton and Bobbie Ives both know we love their menfolk, and we love the two strong women who have let us travel with each Sandy through the years and across the miles.

maeve in Midcoast Maine